The study by McHugh et al. compared hospitals with and without a fixed staffing ratio. Hospitals with a defined staffing ratio (1:4 during the day, 1:7 at night) showed a lower mortality rate and length of stay. The rate of readmissions remained on the same level.
Effects of nurse-to-patient ratio legislation on nurse staffing and patient mortality, readmissions, and length of stay: a prospective study in a panel of hospitals.
Sufficient staffing ratios are needed to improve nurse staffing and patient outcomes.